Arabic version: أستون فيلا يواجه إعادة هيكلة كبيرة لتشكيلته هذا الصيف

According to BBC News, Aston Villa could lose six players from the starting side that won the Europa League in May, as Ezri Konsa closes in on a £51m move to Arsenal. The defender’s departure would follow the exits of Istanbul goalscorers Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, with Rogers joining Chelsea for £117m in a record transfer fee for an English player.

Lucas Digne has also been sold to Paris St-Germain, while Villa must resolve goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s future after a move to Juventus failed and Zion Suzuki was signed as his replacement. Al-Hilal could return for Ollie Watkins before the 1 September deadline, although Villa have reportedly offered the striker a new contract. Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelof, John McGinn and Emi Buendia would remain from the XI that started the Europa League final.

The sales are linked to financial restrictions. Villa must meet Uefa’s squad cost ratio, which limits spending on wages, transfer fees and agent fees to 70% of football-related revenue. The club have been fined twice by Uefa, including a £19.4m fine in June, with £12.9m suspended under a settlement agreement. Once Konsa’s transfer is completed, Villa are expected to have raised about £212m in this window.

Despite the turnover, Villa retain optimism under Unai Emery. John McGinn said the club still have their manager, structure, standards and rules in place. Villa have pursued younger additions, bringing in Joao Gomes, Suzuki and Matteo Ruggeri after Johan Manzambi became the club’s record signing in July. Seventeen-year-old striker Brian Madjo also scored on his debut against PSG after becoming eligible to play earlier this month.